The Level Up Lifestyle

The Level Up Lifestyle

By Globe Life StudiosBusinessCareers
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The Level Up Lifestyle episodes

  • Bringing Out the Best with John David Mitchell, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with Agency Owner John David Mitchell. JD’s journey began in a small Alabama town where he grew up inspired by his father’s career. After finding early success in elevator sales, he walked away from a six-figure salary job to return home and take a chance following his dad’s footsteps. Through humility, hard lessons, and a relentless commitment to growth, John David carved his own path to leadership, proving that extraordinary results come from doing the ordinary with just a little extra.


    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

    57 min
  • Letting Go to Lead with Matt Carder, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with Agency Owner Matt Carder. Matt's journey into leadership began with his humble upbringing in a small Arkansas town where he developed his work ethic mowing lawns at age 13. He later faced obstacles when building his agency in Phoenix after leaving everything familiar behind. But through his positive mindset and willingness to let go to lead his team, Matt broke through the challenges that life put in his way and truly reached a higher level in his career.


    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

    55 min
  • Five to Nine Gave Me Freedom with Brian Cannington, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with Agency Owner Brian Cannington. After struggling in college and bouncing between hourly jobs, Brian found his calling as an agent. When his performance slumped, a pivotal decision to "hire himself" and commit to a serious work ethic transformed his career. Through his “5 to 9” philosophy, Brian built a thriving agency spanning six locations across Georgia and Florida. His story demonstrates how persistence, integrity, and the right mindset can overcome any obstacle.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle


    1 hr 1 min
  • Setting, Spiking, & Scoring with Amanda Violand, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with Agency Owner Amanda Violand. Amanda’s journey into leadership began as she cultivated a work ethic of steel as a farmhand in rural Ohio. She later faced obstacles when exploring opportunities in New York City. But by her driven nature and sticking to the decisions she made, Amanda broke through all the blocks that life put in her way to achieve the success and lifestyle she always wanted.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle


    1 hr 13 min
  • One Step Away with Alfredo Gonzalez, Regional Director

    Today, Mike sits down with Regional Director, Alfredo Gonzalez. We get to hear the story of Alfredo’s family’s harrowing journey out of war-torn El Salvador. The hardships his family endured to bring him to a better life paved the way for a lifestyle of immense gratitude and rock solid work ethic. Because of the sacrifice of his family, Alfredo has been able to face every setback and victory with the attitude of achieving the next level.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle


    1 hr 16 min
  • Beating Hurricanes & Building Home with Jayson Stirrup, Executive Director of Casa Hogar

    Today, Mike sits down with Jayson Stirrup, Executive Director of Casa Hogar in Cabo San Lucas. Jayson takes us through his unexpected journey from Toronto, Canada, to leading a children's home in Mexico, where he dedicates his life to helping kids overcome the trauma of their pasts. He shares powerful stories of resilience, the challenges of running a nonprofit in a foreign country, and the unique strategies Casa Hogar employs to foster a nurturing environment for children. Jayson’s story exemplifies the power of extra effort put forth through servant leadership.


    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle


    1 hr 14 min
  • From Small Town to the Big Leagues with Luke Gilliam, Senior Vice President

    Today, Mike sits down with Luke Gilliam, Senior Vice President at Liberty National. Luke shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Texas to overcoming the challenges of a declining journalism industry. He dives into his transition from traditional journalism to leading a digital media startup, reflecting on the hard lessons learned along the way. Luke’s insights on innovation, leadership, and adapting to change offer valuable takeaways for anyone looking to navigate the evolving landscape of business and life.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

    1 hr 18 min
  • Pitching Strikes & Hitting Curveballs with Brandon Jones, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with agency owner Brandon Jones. Brandon takes us through his journey from a small town in Lower Alabama to becoming a successful agency owner. He shares his early love for sports,  the derailment of a surgery in college, and the struggles of moving far away from home to take on his toughest challenge. Brandon’s story is a testament to perseverance, making tough decisions, and never letting adversity define you.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

    1 hr 7 min
  • Earning Back the Shotgun with Clint McLain, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with Clint McLain, agency owner in Birmingham, Alabama. Clint shares his journey from living on his own out of high school on a movie theater salary to his rewarding but challenging climb to a steady career. Following his family legacy, he had to make a painful decision with one of his most prized possessions to escape rock bottom. Clint’s story highlights perseverance, adaptability, and the enduring impact of focused extra effort.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

    1 hr 3 min
  • From Family Legacy to Lasting Leadership with Drew Aderholt, Agency Owner

    Today, Mike sits down with Drew Aderholt, agency owner in Alpharetta, Georgia. Drew takes us through his journey from growing up in the insurance industry to carving out his own path within the company. He shares his experience as the son of a successful agency owner, the challenges of transitioning from the worksite to the individual market, and the unexpected hurdles he faced in his first years as an agency owner. Drew's story is a testament to the power of hard work, adapting to change, and creating your own legacy while honoring your roots.



    This is the Level Up Lifestyle podcast. Make sure to follow along our journey by visiting our social channels here: https://linktr.ee/theleveluplifestyle

    1 hr 4 min

About The Level Up Lifestyle

From the publisher's feed

This is The Level Up Lifestyle podcast, where we dive deep into conversations that matter for today's leaders and growth-seekers. Join host Rebekah Samuels as she unravels what it actually took for…